Unlike what most people think, palliative care in Australia goes well beyond end-of-life support. This specialised care aims to improve life for people with life-limiting illnesses. The care team supports physical, emotional, social, cultural and spiritual needs at any stage during a serious illness.
People can receive palliative care in hospitals, community health centres, private homes and aged care facilities throughout Australia. Combining palliative care with active treatment can help manage symptoms and improve quality of life. Many families wonder, “Is palliative care free in Australia?” when looking for support during tough times.
This article will walk you through Australia’s palliative care system—so you know what support is available, where to find it, and how to make sure your loved one’s wishes are respected. It also covers advanced care planning and how grief support can help during and after this journey.
Understanding Palliative Care in Australia
Palliative care is a specialised healthcare approach that supports people living with life-limiting illnesses. The goal is to enhance quality of life through personalised care tailored to individual needs.
What is palliative care, and who provides it?
Palliative care puts you and your family at the centre when managing advanced or progressive diseases that can’t be cured. It’s not just for people with cancer or those nearing the end of life. Instead, it focuses on symptom management and overall comfort—physically, emotionally, socially and spiritually.
A multidisciplinary team supports both the person receiving care and their family. This team might include:
- Doctors, specialists and GPs
- Nurses with palliative training
- Allied health professionals (such as physiotherapists or occupational therapists)
- Social workers and counsellors
- Psychologists and spiritual care workers
- Trained volunteers
Family members and carers also play a key role and are supported as part of this network. Care plans adapt as needs evolve.
When is palliative care needed?
Anyone with a life-limiting illness can benefit from palliative care, regardless of age, background or belief system. It can be considered for people with conditions such as:
- Cancer
- Motor neurone disease or multiple sclerosis
- Advanced heart, lung or kidney disease
- Dementia or other neurological conditions
Palliative care can begin early, even soon after diagnosis, and continue alongside curative treatments. Some people maintain contact with palliative teams for years, adjusting the level of care as required.
Is Palliative Care Free in Australia?
Most palliative care services are covered by Medicare. Government funding (federal and state) supports public palliative care programs, meaning services provided in public hospitals, aged care homes or your own home are generally available at no cost.
However, there may be some out-of-pocket costs for things like:
- Certain medications
- Equipment hire for home care
- GP gap fees
- Private healthcare fees
- Respite services
- Complementary therapies
Private health cover may help offset some expenses, so it’s worth checking what’s included in your policy early on.
Accessing Palliative Care Support Services
Australia has a strong network to help people access palliative care. You’re not expected to navigate this alone.
How to find palliative care services in your state
You can search for providers using the National Palliative Care Service Directory. It lists services by location and type, including general and specialist care, after-hours options, and paediatric support.
You can also contact:
- Your state’s Palliative Care association (ACT, NSW, QLD, SA, TAS, VIC or WA)
- Your GP or local health clinic
- MyAgedCare or your state’s health department
- The CareSearch website, which offers trustworthy resources
Services may be delivered in hospitals, homes, clinics, hospices or aged care settings depending on your needs.
Support for Culturally and Linguistically Diverse Families
Families from culturally diverse backgrounds sometimes face barriers when accessing palliative care. Language differences and varying beliefs about death and illness can affect communication and decision-making.
Support is available through:
- Interpreters via TIS National (13 14 50)
- Translated information from CareSearch
- The Centre for Cultural Diversity in Ageing’s bilingual staff directory
Culturally responsive care respects family traditions, spiritual values and communication styles, ensuring people feel safe and supported.
Palliative Care in Aged Care Settings
Many older Australians receive palliative care while living in residential aged care. The government has committed long-term funding to help ensure people receive quality end-of-life support, with greater choice in where and how that care happens.
If your loved one is in an aged care facility, your GP, home care coordinator, or the facility’s manager can assist in arranging appropriate palliative care.
Caring for a Loved One at Home
Home-based palliative care lets families provide support in a familiar setting. With the right preparation, it can be both comforting and practical.
Setting up for home-based palliative care
Start by creating a safe space:
- Remove clutter and trip hazards
- Add shower chairs, non-slip mats, or bathroom rails
- Position the bed somewhere accessible (often on the ground floor)
Useful equipment may include:
- Hospital beds (often arranged through your care team)
- Adjustable trays and commodes
- Call bells or pagers for communication
An occupational therapist can advise on helpful adjustments. Small changes make a big difference to daily comfort.
Working with the care team
Palliative care teams are collaborative and responsive. As a carer, you’re an essential part of that team. Keep contact details for everyone involved and communicate regularly—your observations matter.
Raise concerns early and ask for family meetings when needed.
Managing symptoms and medications
Comfort is the main priority. Medications may be administered in ways that are less invasive, such as under the skin. Your team will help you understand how and when to give them.
It’s common to keep medications ready for symptom management. Keep your loved one’s medication list visible, like on the fridge, for emergencies.
Looking after yourself as a carer
Caring for someone can be emotionally and physically draining. Prioritise small daily moments for yourself—whether it’s a walk, quiet time, or calling a friend.
Building a reliable support network helps you recharge and stay resilient. Asking for help isn’t weakness—it’s wisdom.
Planning Ahead and Coping with Loss
Early planning helps everyone feel more prepared for what lies ahead. It allows your loved one’s wishes to guide their care, even if they can’t express them later.
Advance care planning and directives
Advance care planning includes having conversations with loved ones and healthcare professionals about values, goals and treatment preferences. These are often documented in an Advance Care Directive (or living will).
Your healthcare team can access this via My Health Record when needed.
Directives may include preferences around:
- Symptom relief and pain management
- Treatment refusal or withdrawal
- Cultural or spiritual care
- Where the person prefers to die
It’s a good idea to review the directive if priorities change or someone else is nominated to make decisions on the patient’s behalf.
What to expect at the end of life
As your loved one nears the end, the focus turns fully to comfort. Care teams manage symptoms and offer emotional support. Basic care, like mouth or skin care, continues to keep the person comfortable.
Some medications might no longer be necessary. Open, honest communication with the family can ease uncertainty while helping everyone prepare.
Grief and bereavement support for families
Bereavement support is a core part of Australia’s palliative care approach. Support can be practical, emotional or spiritual—depending on what you need.
There are different types of support available:
- General information and resources
- Counselling for those experiencing moderate grief
- Specialist support for complex or prolonged grief
Organisations like Beyond Blue, Griefline, and the Australian Centre for Grief and Bereavement offer phone and online services. First Nations families can also access culturally appropriate support through services such as 13YARN.
How AHS Nursing Agency Can Support Your Family
Navigating palliative care can feel overwhelming, but you don’t have to do it alone. At AHS Nursing Agency, we’re here to support families across Australia with compassionate, experienced care tailored to your unique needs.
Whether your loved one is receiving care at home, in an aged care facility or in hospital, our team of registered nurses, support workers, and allied health professionals work closely with you to provide comfort, dignity and peace of mind. We’re committed to understanding your family’s preferences—culturally, emotionally and medically—so that care feels personal and respectful every step of the way.
We can help with:
- Home-based palliative care planning
- Coordinating with hospitals, GPs and care facilities
- Medication and symptom management
- Personal care and emotional support
- Culturally appropriate and family-centred care
With AHS Nursing Agency, you’ll have a responsive, experienced team by your side—ready to step in with practical help, empathy and professionalism when you need it most.
If you’re exploring palliative care options and don’t know where to begin, get in touch with our team today. We’re here to help guide and support your family with care that makes a difference.
